People violate safety norms, say experts

Sunil Pradhan

Friday, 21 July 2017

Pune: While five persons have died in the last ten days at various picnic spots near Pune, trekking experts have highlighted the need to have adequate paraphernalia while venturing into these areas.
Officials of Pune rural police said that people violate safety norms and do not pay attention to warning boards, which lead to accidents.

Members of Shiv Durga Mitra, a local trekking organisation in Lonavla, which is working in the field of rescuing people since 17 years, highlighted that they have retrieved more than 200 bodies of tourists till date.

Pune: While five persons have died in the last ten days at various picnic spots near Pune, trekking experts have highlighted the need to have adequate paraphernalia while venturing into these areas.
Officials of Pune rural police said that people violate safety norms and do not pay attention to warning boards, which lead to accidents.

Members of Shiv Durga Mitra, a local trekking organisation in Lonavla, which is working in the field of rescuing people since 17 years, highlighted that they have retrieved more than 200 bodies of tourists till date.

Sunil Gaikwad from Shiv Durga Mitra said that many trekking groups come unprepared and lack proper paraphernalia, which causes accidents. “People want to enjoy but forget that while heading to places like forts and jungles, they should have proper jackets, helmets, safety belts, good shoes, first aid, food and adequate water. Moreover, people should also go in groups with active members at places, which are less populated,” added Gaikwad.

He also highlighted that more people go for trekking during monsoon to enjoy the beauty of nature but get drunk before heading to such risky places, which turns more risky. “Many first time trekkers get lost in the jungle, as they cannot keep a track on their path and then we have to rescue them,” added Gaikwad.

Another avid trekker Revan kakde said that people are unaware of the local geography of the area, which is dangerous.

“For instance, when you go to Dhak Bahiri, you should be equipped with ropes as at many points, you have to cross through flowing water. Simlarly, once I saw some trekkers looking for maps on their mobile phones. We need to understand that we need to carry paper maps as you are not sure whether you will have your mobile range at such spots,” added Kakde.

Past tragedies
-A 25-year-old man Agnel Cyril Peris from Mumbai fell to his death while taking a selfie with his friends at Lion’s Point Valley near Lonavla on October 8, 2016.
-A Mumbai trekker Pravin Shinde (30) of Dombivli died after a stone fell on his head from a cliff of Dhak Bahiri near Rajmachi fort in Lonavla on January 25, 2016.
-A 32-year-old man Shashikant Mohite from Bibvewadi died after falling from Sinhgad fort while taking photographs in January 24, 2015.